Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:59 AM AWST

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Maintain and monitor horse health and welfare

Maintain and monitor horse health and welfare

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU405
State Code
BBE89
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
11/12/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2018
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
20/06/2018
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine, implement and monitor health management programs and procedures for horses, including implementing basic health care plans, determining and responding to illness, injury and emergency situations; treating injury and disease and reviewing outcomes of horse health care plans.The unit applies to individuals who have experience, knowledge and skills in the practical care and management of horses. They work under minimal supervision within industry guidelines and have responsibility for a work activity or area.No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Relate elements of the horse diet to physiological function
  • 1.1 Classify major nutrient elements according to needs of the horse
  • 1.2 Describe components of the digestive system and the nutrient absorption and metabolism processes
  • 1.3 Relate features of a well-balanced diet to horse age, health condition and workload
  • 1.4 Evaluate impact of an unbalanced or deficient diet on horse health
2. Implement health management programs for horses of all ages
  • 2.1 Implement a range of horse health programs, including dental, vaccination, parasite control, and hoof maintenance programs
  • 2.2 Record data and compile and update health records
3. Determine horse health and emergency care procedures
  • 3.1 Keep horses in appropriate premises that meet welfare, legislative and licensing requirements
  • 3.2 Correctly fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialised PPE to meet quarantine requirements
  • 3.3 Handle and restrain horses using safe horse handling practices and animal welfare standards
  • 3.4 Assess health status of horses, applying knowledge of signs and symptoms of healthy and distressed, sick or injured horses
  • 3.5 Identify health care and emergency care procedures and communicate to relevant staff
  • 3.6 Review characteristics, signs and symptoms of healthy and distressed, sick or injured horses
  • 3.7 Identify horses that are potentially suffering from an infectious disease and quarantine or implement control measures to prevent disease spread under veterinary guidance
  • 3.8 Implement procedures for reporting notifiable diseases
4. Treat injury and disease
  • 4.1 Determine health care and management for individual horses
  • 4.2 Discuss prognosis for common illnesses and injuries with key personnel and determine need for professional advice or veterinary assistance
  • 4.3 Assess and control risks prior to administering medication or treatments
  • 4.4 Confirm methods of administering medication, recording treatment and monitoring injectable medication
  • 4.5 Administer medication or treatments according to veterinarian instructions, work health and safety (WHS) requirements, stable procedures, and industry and animal welfare regulations
  • 4.6 Apply pharmaceutical and therapeutic treatments as instructed
  • 4.7 Correctly handle and store medications according to legislation and workplace safety procedures
  • 4.8 Return or dispose of surplus medications and treatments according to workplace procedures
5. Monitor health management program
  • 5.1 Monitor horses during and after treatment and report indicators of further health problems
  • 5.2 Document health management program and treatments and maintain records
  • 5.3 Review program implementation and outcomes
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WE878 ACMEQU405A Maintain and monitor horse health and welfare Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODV61 ACMEQU422 Maintain and monitor horse health Unit of competency